Is Table Talk a part of Small Groups? Also, what is Table Talk?
Yes and no. Table Talk, which meets on Wednesday nights at the church from 5:30-7:30pm, is program taking place during the Fall (September -November 2009). The Small Groups Ministry Team partners with the Table Talk team during this time. Small group opportunities during Table Talk are available. Please see their brochure for this information. Please note that small groups that have already met together in the past and are signing up for this year may or may not be participating in Table Talk.
So, what is a small group at Blacknall?
Small groups are groups of usually 4 to 12 people who are committed to gathering regularly—typically weekly and for one year; after each year, they may choose to commit for another year or may freely join another group.
Why are small groups an important part of life at Blacknall today?
As we continue to grow, small groups are an especially useful means for people to come to know others in the church, to discover their gifts, and to feel increasingly connected to the larger body of believers at Blacknall. The verse in John Chapter 13 moves us in this fellowship and ministry, “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
What happens at a small group meeting?
Typically, people meet together in homes to pray, study, and fellowship. Each group has its own flavor, however, and members decide among themselves the format and content of their group. Some groups follow the sermons, focusing on that week’s text or application questions. Other groups read and discuss a book or study a book of the Bible. Additional elements might (or might not) include sharing a meal, singing in worship, corporate prayer, establishing accountability partners, etc.
One specific curriculum that certain groups are following is Discipleship Essentials, which combines Scripture study and memory with readings from Christian authors. These “Discipleship Groups” are single-gender groups of 4-6 people and require 1 to 2 hours of preparation each week. There is a book fee of approximately $65 (financial assistance is available). Members commit to the group through the completion of the curriculum, which takes 1½ to 2 years. For further information about this specific format, contact Donna Mutter (919) 309-9696 or Melissa Hartemink (919) 416-8458.
How are groups organized at Blacknall?
Each group should be organized in a way that works for its members. Thus, groups can be single- or mixed-gender. Some groups are intentionally intergenerational, while others consist of people all at the same stage in life. Many but not all groups are based on geographical proximity.
What is the Small Group Ministry Team and who is on it?
The small group ministry team is a group of 7 people that meet together monthly to discuss the small groups ministry at Blacknall. If you have an idea to share or a comment for the small group ministry team, please let us know! The team is: David Dunderdale, Mary Mathew, Erin Miller, and Amanda Wallace.
